It's no endurance test to buy gifts for men you hardly know but it is no excuse to be sloppy or stingy with your choices. They may be strangers to you, but these men are no strangers to the fine things in life. Your choice of gifts for groomsmen should be sensible to show you're the good guy who knows what practical men like to have.
Unless you're stuck in an unusual situation or respecting a different culture you have to be circumspect with your choice of gifts. A safe hedge would be buying practical stuff such as wallets or money clips. Cufflinks and tie tacks may not be advisable gifts for groomsmen because coat and ties may not be the norm while flasks are definitely taboo in countries where drinking is banned.
If you are not sure, ask your bride-to-be to go shopping with you. She is the best person to help you because she handpicked the groomsmen herself. But if your bride comes from a country with a culture similar to yours, there's no danger of offending them with your choices of gifts.
Getting Married In another State
Sometimes family and friends can't make it to the wedding even if the wedding is just next door. When the groomsmen have to picked out by your bride-to-be for formalities sake, don't shrug off the men and their roles. Show your appreciation. Since you don't know if these guys drink or smoke, stick to sports gifts. There's no need to guess their NFL football heroes if you're bound for Florida.
Don't be a show-off just because you're the one dispensing the gifts for groomsmen. Show you're the sincerity of your appreciation with sensible items. Cufflinks and tie tacks are safe. Since you don't have any idea of their personal interests, stick to accessories or handy stuff. There will always be an excuse for the men to use pocket watches, Swiss Army knives, and travel alarm clocks. Again, it's your bride's show. She'll tell you what to get.
Even if these guys don't know you well enough to give you a round of hearty backslaps, they'll thank you eagerly and from then on, you'll have new friends who may last a lifetime. For this reason alone, make good your choices of gifts for groomsmen.
Travel Issues
Before loading your suitcase with gifts for groomsmen, ask the nearest travel agency for a list of items that won't give you a lot of headache at the airline's luggage inspection or at the other end. Better still, do your shopping for groomsmen gifts when you reach your destination. You save money this way plus you get the help you need from your bride.
